We spoke with beverage experts to find out just what makes drinks taste so good at a bar.
Plus, tips on how to replicate the experience at home!
But what is it about having someone else make you a drink that makes them taste so good?
Photo: Photographer: Johnny Autry, Prop Styling: Charlotte Autry
Plus, some tips on how you’ve got the option to replicate the bar experience at home.
So, your local cocktail bar has advantages over you when it comes buying the best spirits.
Relying on Experts
Bartenders keep an arsenal of drink recipes in their brains and notebooks.
“Expertise is really just another word for experience.
Bartendersgood bartendersinteract with their guests.
They know how to talk about what they’re serving.
You would be surprised at how many times we have the exact same conversation with different guests.
There is nothing new under the sun.
Quality of Ingredients
When it comes to the ingredients for just about anything, fresh is best.
Not to mention, plenty of different ice cube shapes for pairing with drinks.
Having more esoteric ingredients provides us with an opportunity to offer our guests something truly special.
The more unique an ingredient, the more interesting the offering can be,” Morris says.
An often-overlooked-at-home, but very important, part of great cocktails is the ice.
“One of the most important toolsanybar has is ice,” shares Morris.
“Good-quality ice is a decent size.
More ice in a glass means the drink will stay colder for longer.
This will stop it from diluting down into a sad memory of that first sip.”
Morris says: “Glassware is the vessel in which we engage with spirits and cocktails.
It negotiates the relationship we have with what’s inside and dictates how we experience different libations.
A lot of drinks are served in specific glassware styles (not everything is about an Instagram-worthy aesthetic).
So, embrace the diversity available to you in a bar!
You will ultimately get more out of your drinks, more bang for your buck.”
Pick up a muddler, a double jigger, a stirring spoon, a shaker and a fine-mesh strainer.
“Water is a necessary ingredient in cocktails.
It’s important because cocktails are all about balance, and water smooths all the flavors out.
it’s possible for you to stir cocktails that are liquor-forward, like aNegronior a Manhattan.
These are meant to be smooth and clear, not emulsified from being shaken.
Atmosphere
Atmosphere plays a big role in what makes the bar experience so special.
Use fancy glassware and pay attention to garnishes.”
The difference is night and day."
When using freshly squeezed lemons, limes or oranges, try double-straining your homemade juice.
This will ensure no pulp gets through, leaving you with a smooth final product.
They cover recipes, techniques and product reviews.
The best thing to remember is the more you practice, the better your drinks will turn out."
Bartenders are experts with access to a plethora of resources and equipment, plus a deep well of knowledge.
